Enigmatic fly-half Quade Cooper has been handed his first Test start in 12 months while code-hopper Israel Folau will start at full-back as part of a new-look Australia side to face South Africa in Brisbane on Saturday.

Code-hopper Israel Folau was one of three uncapped players named in Australia's preliminary 25-man squad to face the British and Irish Lions, with in-form Reds playmaker Quade Cooper the most notable omission.